Christmas wishes, decorations, gifts, traditions

Here is a little account of the Birth of this Holiday and its celebration. It also tells about the

The holiday originated when Judah the Maccabee and his followers reclaimed the temple in the village of Modi’in from Syrian King Antiochus IV. The temple was cleansed and prepared for rededication. The Hebrew word Hanukkah means “dedication.” When the sacred temple Menorah (candelabra) was relit, there was only enough sacred oil to burn for one day. Yet, according to tradition, the oil miraculously lasted eight days until more purified oil could be found.

A lesser known story from the Apocrypha tells of the beautiful widow Judith who plied enemy Assyrian General Holofernes with cheese and wine until he fell into a drunken stupor. Judith beheaded the general in his sleep, and his soldiers fled in fear, thus saving her people from the Assyrians. This story is the subject of much renowned artwork.

In remembrance, a candle is lit each of the eight days of Hanukkah. Children receive gifts of gelt (in remembrance of the coins minted by the new independent Maccabee state) or money and play games of dreidel (a spinning four-sided top.) The tradition of receiving a gift on each of the eight days of Hanukkah is fairly recent. Since Christians exchange gifts at Christmas, Jews have come to exchange gifts other than coins at Hanukkah, which comes at the same time of the year.

You will also see this holiday spelled Chanukkah and perhaps even Hannukah due to different translations and customs.

Symbolic foods
The traditional foods consumed during the Hanukkah holiday are symbolic of the events being celebrated. Most are fried in oil, symbolic of the oil that lasted eight days. Others contain cheese to celebrate Judith’s victory. Loukoumades are deep-fried puffs dipped in honey or sugar to represent the cakes the Maccabees ate, along with Soofganiyot (also Sufganiyot) and zelebi. Pancakes are a traditional dish, serving as a reminder of the food hurriedly prepared for the Maccabees as they went into battle, along with the oil they are fried in as a reminder of the miraculous oil.

Latkes were originally symbolic of the cheesecakes served by the widow Judith, and later evolved to the potato/vegetable fried latkes most known today. Many cheese and dairy dishes are consumed in memory of brave Judith.

A newer tradition in the United States is the baking of butter cookies or pretzels in the shape of Hanukkah symbols while relating the stories. Children delight in helping and learn as they create, too.
Source : http://www.theholidayspot.com

Recommended Christmas Shopping

Object d’art

Gifts under this category can be anything from fountains, clocks, wind chimes, dream catchers to hand-carved and ceramic hand drums fountains made of lightweight acrylic sculptures, picture pals.
Choicest books and writing materials like pens, letter or writing pad can go well with and for all ages and occasions, let alone the Xmas and the New Year. Candle stands of metal and china, designer chimneys, lampshades may come as a perfect fit for the occasion. Add to these other items of glass and china, metals or leather. You will find quite a handful of cool and handy stuffs to afford.

Again, for kids and grown-ups with some creative bent of mind, you may want something different. It may range from drawing and coloring materials like crayon, brush, palette, to musical instrument; from toys or games of infotainment to mind teasers.

It can also include some collectibles like traditional and contemporary picture frames in wood, metal and glass and even in quality plastics and lovely photo albums.

Musical gifts
Again a cassette or CD – audio or video, relevant to the tastes and preference of the recipient. Well, A tape of all the songs that catch the true spirit of the season.
But no less great is the idea of dedicating something to the listening pleasure of your friends and family. Make a request to the DJ or VJ for some music to be played on the occasion. You can also specify the names of all to whom you like to dedicate the piece.
Miscellaneous
Like to be more expensive with something different? Fashion accessories right from the designer silk scarves to ties and tie-pins, waist belts to trendy leather footwear. And yes there are clothing – from a vast choice of ready-made brands to the locally tailor-made ones. From an internationally famous designer’s collection to those of the Fashion school fresher. And Of-course!
Need a gift for well-being and recovery? There are some – not only fun and practical but nurturing and therapeutic. Branded to fit their utility value like Ocean Spirit, Fairy Spells, Tranquility and so on these are not highly expensive.

Special boutique
Special purpose boutique may include any item ranging from socks and stockings, scarves and Santa hats, wool and furs (please, not the animal ones), cosmetics and candles or a strain of variety. It may include incense, aromatherapy stuffs, body lotions, deodorants, perfumes, and of course, a wide variety of candles – large, medium and small. White, single or multicolor. Striped or designed, scented or not, low burning or high illuminating and so forth.

Nifties & Utilities
Pick up anything from a nice looking useful school bag to a fancy leather bag or even a sizeable kit bag. A watch band, or a belt; a television or a two-wheeler. Or,

Utility items
Anything like watch, key rings, pen stand, telephone index, electronic notebook and so forth.

Jewelry
For those who can afford it may be anything ranging from designer rings, bracelets, and necklaces, to photographic charms, handcrafted jewelry and beaded votive holders. Finally, irrespective of anything you gift to your friend the most important is the extent of love, care and feelings you attach with them. There is no substitute to them.

Source : http://www.theholidayspot.com

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